Nets vs. Knicks: Breaking down the matchups

Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony
Expect another dogfight. (AP)

Deron Williams vs. Jason Kidd

JUSTIN DEFEO

Jason Kidd, Deron Williams
Today marks the 20th career matchup between Deron Williams & Jason Kidd. (AP)

Despite some early season concerns of Williams’ play, since the coaching change from Avery Johnson to P.J. Carlesimo, Williams’ play is much closer to the elite level point guard we’ve come to expect. The Nets use Williams as either the primary scorer or as the primary creator in certain sets and he’s equally capable and comfortable in both roles. His shooting has improved which has opened up the rest of his game. He’s also enjoying a stretch of hot free throw shooting and couple that with his driving/slashing ability, you’ll begin to understand why his effectiveness has gone up.

Since the injury to Ray Felton, Kidd has been put back into a role he’s familiar with as the starting point guard, but unlike the days of old, Kidd’s game is no longer suited for the game to game duties as the primary floor general. With Felton, Kidd thrived as a spot up shooter and perimeter quarterback to the Knicks ball moving/floor spacing attack. Now being asked to direct more of the offense, Kidd just simply isn’t equipped to get the type of penetration needed for the Knicks offense to go. Still, no one is tougher and Kidd’s size and moderate lateral quickness should be able to deal with his Deron’s shifty offensive game.

Advantage: Brooklyn

Next: Joe Johnson vs. Iman Shumpert

Deron Williams vs. Jason Kidd | Joe Johnson vs. Iman Shumpert | Gerald Wallace vs. Carmelo Anthony | Reggie Evans vs. Amar’e Stoudemire | Brook Lopez vs. Tyson Chandler | Bench Mob vs. Knicks Bench | P.J. Carlesimo vs. Mike Woodson